From new iPads to a new iOS, these are some of the updates we’re expecting from Apple’s upcoming WWDC 2024.
Most of us consider Apple’s biggest event of the year to be the one hosted in September that reveals the newest iPhones, Apple Watches and AirPods. However, with new iOS, iPadOS and other Apple operating systems updates and new hardware announcements, the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is also an action-packed event for Apple loyalists. The 2024 edition of the WWDC has been confirmed on 10 June and the teaser hints at big announcements.
Although Apple prefers keeping everything a secret until the wraps are uncovered on the stage, rumours from industry insiders have spilt the beans on what Tim Cook and his team have in store for us. After announcing the Apple Vision Pro headset at WWDC 2023, Apple is coming for Google and Samsung with its take on generative AI this year.
One of the key focus points for WWDC 2024 is expected to be Apple’s big AI push for all its products. Be it the iPhone, iPad or Mac, AI features are expected to revolutionise the user experience. Siri is rumoured to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Gen-AI after lagging behind its contemporaries all these years. It’s safe to say that generative AI is going to be a hot topic at Cupertino this summer.
For all those expecting shiny Apple hardware, the WWDC 2024 stage could also feature a revamped lineup of new iPads with faster chips and other upgraded components. If you are a part of Apple’s ecosystem, you cannot miss out on this year’s WWDC.
Since we could barely contain our excitement, we have rounded up all the rumours and presented the five coolest announcements expected at the Apple WWDC 2024 event.
Here are the coolest announcements expected at Apple WWDC 2024
1. Generative AI in iOS 18
Generative AI is currently the talk of the town and Apple is going to infuse a shot of AI in its walled ecosystem. Recent rumours hint at Apple designing iOS 18 around generative AI features and for its first trial, it could rely on Google’s Gemini AI model or OpenAI’s ChatGPT. While not much is known about the AI features, rumours say that iOS 18’s AI features will come in for assistance where it makes a lot of sense.
Looking at what Google and Samsung have done with their mobile operating systems, it is safe to assume that Apple might use Gen-AI for better keyboard text suggestions, summarising content in the Safari browser, making Photoshop-level edits in the Photos app and most importantly, a much smarter Siri that can understand context and provide helpful information.
iOS 18 is also rumoured to offer a customisable home screen, something which iOS users have been demanding for over a decade.
2. AI in Macs
Apple’s M3 chip in the current-gen MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lineups promises improved neural performance and with the upcoming macOS update expected to be announced at WWDC 2024, we could see a change in the way people use their Macs.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Apple could borrow most of iOS 18’s Gen-AI features for macOS. Luxuries like the ability to summarise content from a webpage in Safari, better autocorrect suggestions, improved Gen-AI image editing tools in the Photos app and access to a smarter Siri assistant. We also speculate Apple might implement video call enhancements and a better audio experience during voice calls.
With Apple, you can expect innovations that truly revolutionise the user experience.
3. New iPad Pro with big upgrades
The MacBook Pro laptops got it and just weeks ago, it was the more affordable MacBook Air that got a taste of the 3nm M3 chip. Now, it is the iPad Pro’s turn.
The iPad Pro is a pseudo-laptop-like device that is hell-bent on fusing the gap between tablets and a PC, without transforming into the latter. The current-gen iPad Pros are great for creators and coders but Apple has bigger plans for the next-gen models. The 2024 iPad Pro is not only rumoured to get the beefy M3 chipset but also a new display panel technology.
Ditching the LCD and miniLED panels, the entire Pro range is expected to get variable refresh rate OLED panels, thereby putting them on par with the best tablet displays we have ever seen. With Gen-AI in the mix, you can expect new software features that could revitalise the classic iPad user experience.
4. More upgrades for other iPads
Besides the iPad Pro, Apple is also expected to announce more upgrades for the rest of the iPad range. The base iPad is expected to get a newer A15 Bionic chipset that allows faster processing and improved longevity. The iPad Mini is also expected to get a processor upgrade to keep it relevant in the rather stagnant tablet market. And, the 11-inch iPad Air is rumoured to ditch the M1 chip and offer the slightly faster M2 chip borrowed from the outgoing iPad Pro.
In a bid to expand the lineup, Apple is also planning to announce a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air with the M2 chip at the WWDC 2024 event.
5. Siri with the power of Gen AI
Lastly, the WWDC 2024 event could see Siri getting a much-needed intelligence update with generative AI. Siri has been left behind in terms of capabilities compared to the more advanced Google Assistant and with AI being all the hype these days, it is high time for Apple to do something.
If Apple strikes a deal with Google, it could use its Gemini AI models to train Siri for more natural conversations, just like the Gemini AI chatbot. Siri could help with essays, social media captions, analyse images and much more – the possibilities are endless with generative AI.
Beyond the iPhone, Mac and iPad, Siri’s enhanced multimodal capabilities are expected to boost the user experience on devices like the HomePod Mini and HomePod 2nd Gen smart speakers.
(Hero and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Denis Cherkashin via Unsplash)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is WWDC 2024?
WWDC is Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, which is hosted annually to reveal upcoming software and hardware products from Apple.
– What will Apple announce at WWDC?
Apple is expected to announce iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and OS updates for macOS, HomePod and Apple TV. Generative AI is rumoured to be a big topic of discussion this year.
– How often is WWDC hosted?
WWDC is hosted once a year by Apple.
Amritanshu lives and breathes tech, cars, Formula 1, space stuff and everything that delivers an adrenaline rush. Since 2016, he converted his favorite hobby of going all gaga over iPhones and Lamborghinis into his profession; hence, you aren’t likely to be surprised upon checking his browser history. In his spare time, he loves to drive and explore food joints, but will somehow end up with a plate of Chicken Biryani and a big smile. He has previously written for Hindustan Times, India Today, BGR.in, and Deccan Chronicle.
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